If you are an athlete looking to perform at the highest levels of competition, you should be working hard to improve performance through a well-designed workout program and a nutrition plan that supports exercise. In addition, you may wish to use supplements to improve your performance. However, some performance enhancers, such as human growth hormone, are illegal and may put you at risk for harmful side effects. Do not use any supplements unless directed by a doctor.
Human Growth Hormone Overview
Human growth hormone, also referred to simply as HGH or growth hormone, is naturally produced by your body. Your pituitary gland manufactures and releases HGH throughout your youth to build and maintain your internal organs and tissues. As you age, HGH production slows, which can result in a decreased rate of muscle growth and reduced athletic capacity.
Benefits of Human Growth Hormone
Although human growth hormone is often marketed as an anti-aging drug, that description is not completely accurate. Human growth hormone may make you feel younger, as research from the May 2010 issue of the "Annals of Internal Medicine" indicates that human growth hormone can reduce body fat, increase muscle mass and improve exercise capacity when paired with exercise. In addition, human growth hormone may help increase bone density and accelerate healing.
Side Effects of Human Growth Hormone
While HGH does have potential benefits for athletic performance and body composition, there are also side effects. Using HGH may trigger joint and muscle pain, swelling of your limbs, carpal tunnel and an increased risk of heart disease.
Human Growth Hormone Stimulators
If you want to reap the benefits of HGH but would prefer a legal supplement, you can try using products that may increase natural production of the hormone. Research from the January 2008 issue of "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise" found that the amino acid and neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA, significantly increased growth hormone secretion when paired with exercise. In addition, a study from the July 1999 issue of the "European Journal of Endocrinology" found that consuming melatonin before exercise can increase growth hormone release. Consult a doctor before using any supplements.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Human Growth Hormone (HGH): Does It Slow Aging?
- "Annals of Internal Medicine"; The Effects of Growth Hormone on Body Composition and Physical Performance in Recreational Athletes: A Randomized Trial; U. Meinhardt et al.; May 2010
- "New York Times"; Raging Hormones; Gretchen Reynolds; August 2006
- Mayo Clinic: What Are The Risks of Taking Human Growth Hormone If You Don't Need It?
- "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise"; Growth Hormone Isoform Responses to GABA Ingestion at Rest and After Exercise"; M.E. Powers et al.; January 2008
- "European Journal of Endocrinology"; Exercise-Induced GH Secretion is Enhanced by Oral Injection of Melatonin in Healthy Adult Male Subjects; D.R. Meeking et al.; July 1999
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